The sister of murdered teenager Lindsay Jo Rimer says her family has been given ‘a life sentence’ while Lindsay’s killer has gone unpunished for 20 years.

Thirteen-year-old Lindsay was last seen in Hebden Bridge on November 7 1994 at just after 10.22pm at the Spa shop on Crown Street.

But her body was found five months later on April 12, 1995 in the Rochdale Canal, bringing to an end a massive search.

Lindsay’s older sister Kate Rimer held back tears as she recalled that fateful day and how her family had coped with the heart ache of Lindsay’s murder.

Kate, who was 20 when Lindsay disappeared, said: “I still remember when mum called me to say my little sister was missing. I felt instantly that something was wrong.

“And then five months later she was found.

“From the beginning we have been filled with grief and we cannot stop the grief and instead remember her with love until this comes to an end.

“We miss her so much but every memory of her is tainted – it is so painful and bleeds into everything we do.

“It is about time this came to an end – it is a life sentence for this family.”

Detectives investigating Lindsey’s murder have told how they received important leads from an appeal in November last year - 20 years after she went missing.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) said: “Anyone who watches the clip of Kate's interview will be moved by what she has to say. It is clear that the pain still runs as deep as it did 20 years ago and nothing will ever completely erase the memory but bringing Lindsay’s killer to justice will at least bring some closure to the family.

“Someone somewhere knows what happened to Lindsay and I am appealing again, directly, to that person to come forward and help me solve the case.”

Det Supt Simon Atkinson
Det Supt Simon Atkinson

Det Supt Atkinson added: “All we know is that Lindsay’s body was found five months later on Wednesday April 12, 1995, with the ultimate indignity to her and to her family that her body was left to rot in a watery grave.

“Someone prepared to do this doesn’t deserve any protection. It is time they were brought to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives directly on 01924 334604 or text on 07786 200805. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.